Associate Director for Labor Innovation

Posting date: January 13, 2026

Job Reference: 002124SR

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Cambridge
• School/Unit: Harvard Law School
• Department: Center for Labor and a Just Economy
• Salary Grade: 058
• Job Function: General Administration
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Term Appointment: Yes
• Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Law School?

Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you’ll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.

Job Description

The Center for Labor and a Just Economy (CLJE) is Harvard University’s center for research, teaching and creative problem solving related to the world of work and its implications for society. Located at Harvard Law School (HLS), CLJE brings together scholars, students, practitioners, community members and policy experts from a variety of disciplines. CLJE organizes projects and programs that (1) examine critical changes in labor markets, labor law, and the experiences of working people and (2) analyze the role of advocates, unions, worker organizations, business, and government in improving the quality of life for working families in the U.S. and around the world. The faculty, staff, fellows and research associates of CLJE include an array of nationally and internationally renowned scholars, experts, and intellectuals.

CLJE seeks an Associate Director for Labor Innovation with significant knowledge of the labor movement and a background in qualitatively-oriented social science. Working closely with the Director of Innovation, the successful candidate will play a central role in developing existing research projects and exploring opportunities for collaborative projects.

As Associate Director of Labor Innovation you will:

• Directly contribute to CLJE’s research work by developing and managing projects across the research cycle including the establishment of research questions, design of the study, securing IRB approval, data management, collection of data, analysis, and writing of publishable outputs in a variety of mediums.
• Identify, assess and help develop ideas and strategies for new research projects.
• Work closely with PIs to manage members of the research team, including fellows and research assistants.
• Author and co-author research papers, policy briefs, peer-reviewed research publications and popular media pieces that garner attention for CLJE’s research.
• Help build and expand partnerships with policy and research institutions and universities.
• Contribute to building and maintaining productive relationships with current and potential funders, including drafting grant proposals and reports.
• Help to design and implement research workshops and conferences hosted by CLJE.
• Represent CLJE at relevant conferences and meetings with research partners.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of seven years of experience in political science, sociology or a related discipline.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have:

• Ability to co-ordinate research teams.
• Experience leading research projects on the American labor movement and conducting original research using the following methodologies: interviews with a broad array of subjects, focus groups, participant observation, commissioning and analyzing population surveys, and quantitative analysis of observational data.
• Experience shepherding research projects through the Institutional Review Board and data management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Demonstrated time-management skills, organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong work ethic with the ability to take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work independently.
• Ability to treat sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to forge strong collaborative working relationships with diverse constituencies and colleagues.

Additional Information

Appointment End Date: This is a one year term appointment with potential for renewal, subject to departmental funding and need.

Standard Hours/Schedule: Full Time

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

This position may be performed remotely; the option for hybrid work is also available for local candidates. All remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA*, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT and WA). *exempt positions only

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that the duties and responsibilities can effectively be performed fully remotely at a non-Harvard location. Employees in fully remote positions must work all scheduled hours in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. At the discretion of the department, fully remote employees may occasionally be required on site at a Harvard location. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.